egg problem

[Trapper]

My lovebirds keep breeding and laying eggs but they don't hatch. The last two clutches we opened up after about a month and a half. We found that the shells broke easy, but the skin layer waas very tough and leathery. Like a reptile egg. It was also black and smelled very bad. WHen we tore them open there were dead birds in them. What would keep these from hatching? I have never run into this before. It has happened several times. Any suggestions?

[Lori~D]

Many things could be happening. Leathery shells could be a lack of calcium therefore the shells are not sufficient to keep bacteria out. Bacteria is a strange thing. Sounds like your babies are growing but then succumb to the bacteria and die. breeders call the DIS or "dead in shell" and its a common cause of Bacteria that breeders deal with. From weak shells, dirty nesting areas, OR even the parent birds (one or both) carrying the bacteria in their system! If the parents are carrying it it is transferred into the egg before or as it is formed and there is no way to know until it is too late. If they were my birds and important breeders I would make sure they have Plenty of Calcuim (free choice) in the form of cuttle bones. A female laying eggs can go thru SEVERAL six inch cuttle bones while she is laying. Next I would have both the parents tested by the vet with gram stains for bacteria if the calcium uptake doesnt help. Also allot of Dark Leafy greens during the mating times and nesting. With you saying the shells were soft I would only do this first and if the babies are still growing and Dying Then a vet check is in order for the parents. As of now I would Up the Calcium and green vegis, make sure the cage and nest box is kept clean and dry and check the humidity levels. Too high can cause bacteria to grow and too low can cause the chicks to form and then stick to the shell and die as well at almost full term (thats heartbreaking).

[Trapper]

Thank you for the response. THe egg shells aren't leathery, when we cracked the shell the skin that is on the inside is. It is also black. I am assuming this is from decompsition. They really stunk. They do have cuttle bone and are always using it. THe cages couldn't be kept any cleaner. I am disabled, so it is not a chore, it gives me something to do. THe strange thing is she has hatched out several clutches, then gets several duds. There are no avian vets around here so that is out of the question. I waw wondering about the humidity. We have had an unualy dry summer. DO you thinkI should give a light spray once in a while?

[Lori~D]

Yes, In fact you might get and inexpensive Hygrometer at the pet store. You can increase the humidity with a cool air humidifier as well.

[Trapper]

Ok I'll try that. The bacteria idea seems logicle. Although my cages are clean, you can't see bacteria. SO I moved the birds to another cage. I took their cage apart and have it soaking in bleach and water. Also doing the feed and water dishes. If it is bacteria this should take care of that problem. If it works, this will become a weekly routine. After all, it can't hurt.
Thaqnks again for the help. WHat should the humity be?